1953 BMW Type 327/2 Sport Cabriolet

In the Postwar era, BMW automobile production did not resume at Munich until 1952, when a dispute arose with the former Dixi Werke facility at Eisenach, which had resumed production of BMW's prewar designs in Soviet-occupied East Germany. After reaching a settlement, Eisenach's products were badged 'EMW,' short for Eisenacher Moterenwerk.

This vehicle was built in 1953 at Eisenach. It is one of 505 BMW (and later renamed EMW) 327/2 Cabriolets built in the period of 1949 to 1955 at Eisenach. It wears BMW badges, a BMW I.D. plate, and is titled as a 1953 BMW.

IN 2005, the car was purchased by Goetz E. Pfaffin of Colorado. Mr. Pfaffin shipped it to Germany for restoration in late 2005, with a total engine rebuild including a new cylinder block. The Matejcek firm of Pilsen, Czech Republic, completed the ground-up body restoration.

In July of 2008, the car returned to the United States.

Powering the car is a 1971cc overhead valve six-cylinder engine delivering 57 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission with Volvo electric overdrive. There is an independent front suspension and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island sale presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000. As bidding came to a close, the car was sold at a price of $220,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2011